US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (L) and Commanding General of US Forces in Iraq, Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin fly in a Blackhawk helicopter over Baghdad. (File Photo)Panetta: Iraq Has Agreed To Negotiate Extended U.S. Presence -- Stars and Stripes
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Friday that Iraq has agreed to negotiate an extension of noncombat U.S. forces there beyond 2011.
“My view is that they finally did say, ‘Yes,’ ” he said during his first small-group press interview since taking office July 1. Panetta is the highest-ranking U.S. official to indicate this so clearly.
Six weeks ago, an exasperated Panetta urged Iraqi leaders to “Dammit, make a decision” about extending the U.S. troop presence beyond the scheduled Dec. 31 withdrawal.
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More News On U.S. Troops Staying In Iraq Beyond 2012
U.S. forces to stay in Iraq into 2012, says Leon Panetta -- Politico
Panetta: Iraq to negotiate U.S. presence beyond 2011 -- USA Today
Panetta sees progress on keeping some U.S. troops in Iraq -- Reuters
U.S. defense chief says Iraq has consensus on extended U.S. presence: report -- Xinhuanet
Panetta: U.S. troops in Iraq beyond 2011 -- UPI
US, Iraq at odds over troop extension -- AFP
No deal yet on US troops staying in Iraq: PM's aide -- AFP
Still no decision on U.S. troops, Iraqis say -- Marine Times
Iraq denies extending US military stay -- Press TV
Iraqi gov’t aide rebuffs US Defense claims on troops staying in Iraq after 2011 -- Al Arabiya News